2016 Chevrolet Traverse

292 federal complaints (385 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 1105 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 18 model years of the Chevrolet Traverse →
Engine
3.6L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
AWD
EPA economy
15 city / 22 hwy
Federal complaints
292
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
163
Power train
37
Engine & cooling
31
Electrical system
26
Steering
24
Speed control
19
Other
19
Stability control
16
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 19 complaints01 years old: 12 complaints2 years old: 20 complaints3 years old: 22 complaints4 years old: 15 complaints5 years old: 14 complaints56 years old: 10 complaints7 years old: 109 complaints8 years old: 56 complaints9 years old: 10 complaints10 years old: 5 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 292 of 292 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 18 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 13 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 30 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 11 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 8 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 3 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 1 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 1 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 86 of 292 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

163 complaint records3 crash reports
"Chevy said they have no idea when they will have a fix and no other suggestions on how to make sure I can have a safe car to drive back and forth to work...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Power train

37 complaint records1 crash report
"The vehicle only has 145,xxx miles and I experience a "shudder" which could be caused by torque converter issues, often felt at highway speeds (approx. 40-60 mph)...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

31 complaint records1 crash report
"MY CAR IS A 2016 AND IT'S NOT LEAKING FLUID BUT I HAVE HAD TO FILLL THE TRANSMISSION FLUID UP THREE TIMES SINCE I HAD IT AND I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN 2016..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
23V334000Air BagsGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.Normally free
21V782000Air BagsGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.Normally free
21V246000Air BagsGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.Normally free
15V833000SeatsGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015.Normally free
15V609000VisibilityGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2023277
2023-05-10
Airbag42,154Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. If this happens, the airbag may not properly inflate and fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants.
2021619
2021-10-07
Airbag8Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. If this happens, the airbag may not properly inflate and fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants.
2015591
2015-12-09
Structure88On certain vehicles, the third row left lower seat frame may have welds that are not in the correct location. In the event of a crash, the seat may not perform as intended, which could increase the risk of occupant injury.
2015449
2015-10-05
Electrical1,082Certain vehicles may have been assembled with a defective front windshield wiper motor that could overheat when in use.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIT5698F
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
PIP4902W
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT5099J
Jul 2026
Unknown Or OtherPI to help diagnose A/C concern
PIT3271Q
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
PIP4902V
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP6104
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
PIP4902U
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT5214G
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical...
13598
Sep 2025
Unknown Or OtherNew Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
PIP4902T
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIC5650M
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
PIP4902S
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
25-NA-156
Jun 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
00-06-01-026R
Jun 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
PIT5074R
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIP4964F
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Code P2097 or P2099.
23-NA-153
May 2025
EngineThe service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
15-NA-010
May 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
PI0281L
Apr 2025
SteeringThis preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
13-02-32-001H
Apr 2025
SteeringThis service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
07-00-89-037W
Apr 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
25-NA-087
Apr 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
13-08-116-001K
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThe intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
25-NA-052
Mar 2025
EngineThis bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
25-NA-065
Mar 2025
SteeringThis informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
24-NA-098
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
08-03-10-006I
Mar 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion.
15-06-03-001F
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
17-NA-073
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
05-03-07-009L
Feb 2025
SuspensionThis service bulletin provides information on Wheel Alignment Specifications, Requirements and Recommendations for GM Vehicles.
11-00-89-005Y
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on Dealer Empowerment for Goodwill, Customer Enthusiasm and Policy (U.S. Only).
PIP5358D
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
05-08-51-001L
Feb 2025
StructureThis informational bulletin provides a procedure on how to remove the paint stain that may present itself under the shipping film.
16-NA-109
Feb 2025
SteeringThis service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
07-00-89-037V
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
10-08-110-001L
Jan 2025
StructureThis service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
21-NA-043
Jan 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
22-NA-074
Jan 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
01-08-42-001Q
Jan 2025
Exterior LightingThis service bulletin provides information on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leak Information and Replacement Guidelines.
09-06-04-026Z
Jan 2025
Power TrainThis bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
20-NA-132
Jan 2025
Electrical SystemThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
07-00-89-037U
Jan 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
18-NA-263
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provide policy information for variable diagnostic time allowances on select labor operations (U.S. Only).
PIT5074Q
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5962B
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
PIT6261
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to dealers GM is working on a solution for outdated Apps
08-07-30-035I
Nov 2024
Power TrainThis service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
17-NA-271
Nov 2024
Service BrakesThis service bulletin provides a procedure to clean the back side of the rims and rotors and to correct the customer concern of wheel clicking.
19-NA-219
Nov 2024
EngineThis diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
21-NA-043
Nov 2024
StructureThis bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
04-06-01-029K
Oct 2024
SteeringThis informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
PIP4723J
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIT5698E
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary information communicates additional information on how a LIN bus operates and diagnostic tips when working on a LIN bus.
PIT5569C
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary information communicates direction and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
PIP6015
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
24-NA-040
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information on All hazmat parts being returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) must be shipped using Central Transport. Hazardous materials should never be sent by air transportation to the WPC.
10-00-89-009F
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
01-06-01-011Q
Oct 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
PIP5621E
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician that TAC recommends the utilization of the GDS2 software to aid in diagnosing automatic transmission concerns. TAC is requesting the GDS2 session logs be sent in before the dealer contacts TAC.
20-NA-132
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.

Showing 60 of 1105 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Traverse →